In what the Pentagon called a "demonstration of U.S. resolve" and a "clear message" to North Korea, Air Force bombers and fighter escorts flew off of the east coast of hostile nation on Saturday.

While remaining over international waters, the B-1B Lancer bombers from Guam and F-15C fighters from Okinawa, Japan, flew farther north of the Demilitarized Zone than any U.S. fighter or bomber has this century, Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said in a release.

Advertisement

Related Content

The mission was "underscoring the seriousness with which we take DPRK's reckless behavior," White said.

"This mission is a demonstration of U.S. resolve and a clear message that the President has many military options to defeat any threat. North Korea's weapons program is a grave threat to the Asia-Pacific region and the entire international community. We are prepared to use the full range of military capabilities to defend the U.S. homeland and our allies."

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly this week, President Donald Trump belittled North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as "Rocket Man" and threatened to destroy the isolated communist nation if it continues to provoke the U.S. and its allies. Trump also issued harsh new economic sanctions on North Korea, as well as individuals and financial entities that do business with the country.